Christmas update

We have had a busy few weeks. The weather has been fickle.. with a varied style of precipitation, snow, rain, ice. We had to do a lot of sanding to keep our driveway, parking area, and pathways safe. Then-- we had a 3 day snow storm which dumped a LOT of fluffy white flakes. As fast as we cleared the way-- more came down. Very beautiful once the job was finished.. but a lot of work. Then on Christmas Eve, a light rain and balmy temperatures reduced the snow considerably-- now today.. more sanding. Several weeks ago, we put down some new footing in the indoor. The dumptruck brought 14 yards at a time and it took about 14 or so trips with the tractor and bucket to transport the fill into the indoor. By the time the pile was indoors-- the truck was back with more. Then spreading it out, raking it and some dust reducer added-- more raking. It looks great- the horses love it and it's a good thing we did it when we did-- right after that day-- the weather turned very wintry.

It's a late greeting-- but Happy Holidays from Dream On Curls Riding Center !! and a big thank you for all of your support and to all of our riders ~

We have lots of goals for the New Year for programs and a scholarship fund. So stay tuned for news from Dream On Curls Riding Center ~

As we repeat often- Learning to horseback ride is more than just sitting on a horse. Riders need to understand and be in tune with their body, balance and coordination. Established riders are able to realize that small movements with their hips, pelvis, calves and feet send cues to the horse for different movements, steering and other forms of communication. Building on these skills not only improves body awareness, strength and flexibility but also helps improves an individual’s ability to have relationships and communication skills. Body language is the largest form of communication between two people. 80% of all “talking” is done this way. Often times when we are communicating with a friend, co-worker, or peer we temper what we say based on the language we interpret from another’s stance, the look on their face, hand gestures, or numerous other body language signs and expresions. For many, this skill is just there, we know how to do it without really knowing how we do it. For some—this ability is not well developed or missing entirely.

What does this have to do with horse back riding you might ask?

For those individuals who struggle with relationships, understanding cues from others, and in their ability to communicate their own needs~ they can learn through horseback riding without having the anxiety that a “person to person” exchange can bring. Since all communication with a horse is done through body language it allows the rider to learn about the small movements that encompass communication and expression. Working in the saddle or with a horse on the ground, participants begin to recognize how their stance, posture, attitude, and movements affect another. In their head, they may want the horse to do one thing but through their body they are giving a different cue and can’t figure out why the horse is reacting differently then they want. This is when the instructor steps in as the interpreter, assists with some hints or some cues or helps them problem solve what is working and what isn’t.

Relationships and communication are a two way street where both parties have to be invested in the outcome. This is so true with horseback riding. Just sitting up there without doing your part as the rider - the horse will go anywhere it wants and do whatever it wants. Some horses require more input from their rider than others and some horses are very in-tune with the rider. When the individual has “checked out” from the “relationship”, has disengaged or become distracted, the horse will take full advantage of the situation.

For an individual who needs to learn about being an active member of a relationship, we choose appropriate mounts that can deal with distracted and unfocused, detached riders. Some horses can never learn to adapt to a “detached” rider. Others try hard to detect the subtle nuances of their riders and accommodate. In order for this goal to be truly successful, it also commands an instructor who can teach riding skills AND understand the often difficult and very subtle steps in harmonizing relationships and inter-communication. The instructor also has to have a deep understanding of the disabilities and traumatic events that can contribute to an individual’s lack of understanding in these areas. But with the right combination of horse and instructor~ the learning opportunities are endless and have a lifelong affect both on and off the horse.

We are so fortunate to have a few of these VERY special therapy horses and they are all we could have hoped for. For us, Sudie Bee and her daughter Sweet Bee take their job seriously and teach relationship and communication skills very well. For these challenging situations- both Sudie Bee and her daughter Sweet Bee completely step up to the plate and give their all- helping to empower their riders in many ways !

Therapeutic Riding Horses are Special !

Being a good therapeutic lesson horse is more than just safely carrying the rider around in circles, either being led by the leader and accompanied by side-walkers, or guided by the rider. There are so many more reasons why a certain mount is chosen for a rider and just as many reasons why a therapy horse requires special care and attention.

Horses are not only screened based on size and temperament but also on movement. Some of our riders, due to their particular disability, require sensory stimulation. In that case, a horse is chosen that, at a walk provides a lot of movement to the hips, trunk and lower back to provide the rider the needed stimulation to relax and strengthen. Other riders become overwhelmed with large amounts of stimulation so they need a smoother horse, so as not to overload the system and send them into a shut down mode.

Depending on whether a rider has low or high muscle tone, a certain type of horse movement would be chosen. For someone with low muscle tone generally a horse with large motion would be too much for their body to physically handle. For someone with high muscle tone they would need a horse with a bigger rhythm of gait to begin to loosen and relax the muscles.
As a rider progresses their mount may change due to their changing abilities with their body in order to best meet their needs.

Riders with an attention disorder will, at times, need a horse that will challenge them. Putting these riders on a horse that has memorized the routine, the rider detaches and their attention wanders. Using a mount that will challenge them requires the rider to learn to stay focused in order to learn control and give them a place of concentrated activity.

Some of the participants in the therapeutic program are unable to ride but can still benefit from the sensory input of grooming a horse. A therapy horse must be accustomed to a wheelchair being parked very close so the groomer can brush, touch and smell the horse. Others are able to walk with mechanical aids such as crutches or walkers- again the horses must stand quietly when being approached by those who may walk with awkwardness and not be bothered by the odd noises and sounds of the aids.

These are just a few of the qualities we look for when matching our horses and our riders to reach a goal. In addition, our horses are asked to perform in a way that the average riding horse is not.

The therapy horse must always stand quietly regardless of the behaviors of their rider. Often the rider is clumsy when mounting, even with the help from the volunteers. They must remain steady at the mounting block, while many helpers surround them. Some disabled riders have a natural imbalance when astride their mount, some will move or bump in inappropriate ways. Some of our riders are non-verbal but do make lots of unusual noises- either vocalizing pleasure or anxieties. This can be stressful for some horses.

Therapy horses also need to have a strong bond and trust in the instructor and leaders. They are often given false body cues from a physically challenged rider. An individual with high muscle tone may be squeezing in to the horse existentially due to the tightness of their hips, thighs and calves- the cue to move faster for many horses, which the horse has to ignore, listening to the leaders instead. The rider may be unable to pull back on reins or verbally cue the horse. In these cases the horse looks to the leader and instructor for their cues in order to not do something wrong. This requires a greater than normal bond of trust and confidence on the part of the horse and handler.

Many of our riders have a detachment disorder and we find this is a definite stressor for the horses. They sense the lack of attachment and inter-relationship that would, in normal circumstance, take place between horse and rider/groomer. Horses are sensitive to their riders and look for relationship feedback. We, as the handlers, must be able to re-assure the horse in these situations. Horses must be chosen that can perform without the emotional connection they are used to and still “give” to the rider. This can be a tall order and not every therapy horse can deliver in this situation.

Therapy horses are asked to step up to the plate in many challenging ways. In return, they need special care and respect. We need to care for our lesson horses in ways that help them perform in ways that ordinary riding horses are not challenged. We look for ways to reward our lesson horses. Sometimes it may be a quick and refreshing trot down the road or on the trail. Sometimes they need a vacation from their “riders”. Our therapy horses are truly rare and remarkable animals and they deserve all the praise and rewards possible. We are so fortunate to have such a unique and wonderful group of horses well suited for this job of carrying their precious cargo. It is also incredibly special and noteworthy that all but one of the therapy horses at Dream On Curls Riding Center were bred, born, raised and trained here at our facility at Top O’ The Hill Farm !

It's a wonderful thing when we can create smiles like this ~ and it's really the horses that do it.. we just stand by and help a bit.

Since the start of our therapeutic riding program, the main group of lesson horses has stayed pretty much the same. They are an excellent choice for many reasons- Keri Orla, Lilly, Sudie Bee, Winter Dancer and Camille. This spring, Tall Trees Sassie was added to the group, as she is all done raising her colt and ready to get to "work". You can see most of the "group" here on the Dream On Curls web site.

Last week, we decided to add 2 new horses to the group- OYY Sweet Bee, a wonderful curly mare and OYY Pal's Job, an outstanding smooth coated gelding. Each of these new additions are perfectly suited to the program-- their size, their personality, their patience just a few of the pluses.

Sweet Bee was born here- out of Sudie Bee and Mead's Chocolate Chip. She was trained and sold.. recently we had the opportunity to bring her back to the farm. She's an awesome little mare- at a chunky 14.1 hh. As we brought her up to the indoor, it occurred to us-- she is a THIRD generation lesson horse !

Here she is as a newborn !

Her dam, Sudie Bee, is a much loved exemplary lesson horse, who carries riders of all levels of abilities.

Sudie's dam and Sweet Bee's grand-dam is Teena, a "grade" mare, meaning she had no known pedigree- but she was anything but grade, unless you classify her as Grade A-one ! Teena helped teach my own children how to ride and drive. We even used her to haul out logs and firewood on many occasion. When we began to give lessons, she was a natural choice as lesson mount. She is pictured here with one of her riders- at the time she was in her very late 20's. Sadly, Teena became quite old and with no teeth- we made the difficult decision to euthanize her at age 33. We still miss her- but her legacy continues with her many daughters. She has quite a few "children" and "grand-children", all of them inherited her remarkable qualities. She was surely a grand old mare.

Sweet Bee's first lesson with her happy rider ~ She lives up to her name - sweet ! Sweet Bee is a very versatile mare as she has competed in many shows and won lots of ribbons- she is a fun trail mount-- and the PERFECT therapy horse ! Just like her grand-mother and her mother.

OYY Pal's Job was also born and trained here. This fellow is also extremely versatile- a super driving horse, great steady trail mount, and lots of potential for shows. However- like Sweet Bee- he has earned his biggest awards as a therapy horse, with his quiet honest demeanor. His dam, Pal O' Mine, is a fabulous little pony- who has been used in lessons, but is not an American Curly. So far, Job has carried independent riders in the therapeutic program and riders with disabilities that require leaders and side-walkers. He is the model lesson horse- suited for both situations.

Job and another smiling rider.

We are very proud of our lesson horses- most of them bred and trained at Top O' The Hill Farm. They all have a challenging and special job and always are ready to rise to the occasion !

Enjoy your day ~

Our Instructor At Dream On Curls Riding Center

At the heart of every successful therapeutic riding center is the instructor. The skills required by a therapeutic riding instructor are more than "just" teaching riding. A great instructor is a multi-faceted combination of coach, mentor, educator, counselor, co-ordinator, program developer, insightful horse keeper, manager, a good mind for business, secretarial skills, with a natural people oriented disposition, combined with a comprehension of disabilities and the body, and an innate understanding of the horses and the creative ability to form lesson plans suited for each individual. This instructor has the gift to put together the horses and the riders and facilitates the MIRACLE !

Zoe Lirakis is the certified therapeutic instructor at Dream On Curls Riding Center- and she embodies the combination of skills, qualifications, and passion for the job ! She is an able riding instructor and possess that special gift to be able to work with a wide range of disabled and at-risk children and adults. Having grown up with horses, her intuitive knowledge of horses is a key component to making our Therapeutic Center a huge success !

Her journey began at age 11, with her little Curly gelding- Sunshine Alec-Xander. Born on a farm full of animals- this was her start with serious riding. Over the years, astride many different Curly horses at Top O' The Hill Farm, taking part in competitions and riding for pure pleasure- Zoe acquired much knowledge and an understanding of how riding skills could be applied to all the varied challenges of life.

After graduation from high school, Zoe pursued a career in the educational field, continuing to ride every chance she could. Zoe's calling appeared to be assisting that often forgotten and ignored population of students that struggled within the "traditional" learning environment. Zoe took a job teaching at an alternative high school for the at-risk students and truly enjoyed it. The "at-risk" group continues to take a special place in her heart. It was here that she gained experience with adventure based educational techniques and challenge by choice methods. 'Challenge by choice' encourages respect for one another, the skill of making one's own choices free of peer-group pressure and promotes an experience where everyone contributes to each others choices and self esteem development. Adventure based education is learning by doing. Zoe was able to plan programs which took students "off campus" and join up in activities such as rock climbing, ice climbing, repelling, hiking-- all pursuits which challenge the body and the mind. Within the scope of these non-traditional concepts, you are encouraged to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, all by choice, learning and growing.

It was a natural transition for Zoe to begin thinking about ways to combine horse back riding with this teaching style to help the population left out of the mainstream. Just another step in creating reality out of an idea and a dream ! As the goal became more of a concrete reality- Zoe added skills and certifications along the way to add to her expertise as an instructor- a yearly certification in first aid and CPR, both required by NARHA standards. Zoe is also certified in CPI, which is a non-violent de-escalation technique used by many human service or social work professionals. When working with a population that, due to their disabilities, life events and/or trauma, often and unpredictably communicate their frustration and confusion with explosive behaviors, the instructor must be prepared with relevant, practical behavior management skills. CPI teaches responsive listening, compassionate understanding, and proper restraint methods when it becomes necessary.

Our lives are so guided and enhanced by our personal journeys, our experiences help form who we are and become. Life is the grand teacher, we are the students who go on to teach. These paths we are taken on often send us in directions we would not have chosen-- but add to our talents and facilitate our ability to use those skills in a richer way.

While pursuing her career goals, Zoe delivered a 10 week premature daughter who was ultimately diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, spastic diplegia. This is a disability which affects muscle control, growth, and balance from the waist down. This event threw Zoe into the world of disabilities first hand. Finding proper treatment modalities, coping skills, and advocating for benefits, navigating through the maze of handicapped laws and rights- Zoe gained knowledge that would ultimately benefit all her riders and their families/care-givers. Over the 11 years of raising her daughter, Zoe has learned numerous techniques, skills, and ideas which are applied in her vocation of therapeutic riding instructor. What stands out clearly - the way to truly help the individual with any disability is to focus on the whole, not the disability. Thus, we have chosen the slogan for our center-- 'we focus on what our riders CAN DO, not on what they can't'. We are teaching people, not a disability. There is a lot more going on with disabled individuals other than the physical handicap~ which is often overlooked in the quest to improve movement. Our riding instruction does address the external physical aspects and benefits of riding- but also the internal spirit of the rider. Regardless of how our riders enter our doors, once inside, the focus is always based on ABILITY !

With the at-risk group of riders- there are even greater challenges. Their disability cannot always be seen with the eye.. it is within- but just as disabling. As Zoe continued to work with students in different settings, traditional and non-traditional- tutoring and teaching- She always felt there was a missing piece. She desired to give her students an activity which would teach life long skills. Her own personal enjoyment of riding- the release and ease of self she feels - it was a natural progression to use the horses and riding to offer all of those feelings and opportunities of growth to the difficult group of "at-risk" children and young adults that hold a very special place in Zoe's heart. Dream On Curls Riding Center is one of the few world-wide which offers unique programs for this challengin group of children and young adults.

Dream On Curls Riding Center has experienced expanding success due in part to our wonderful instructor, Zoe ! She is well loved by all our riders.

Our First Post~ a little history of Dream On Curls

We had the perfect horses AND the dream--- combined with my daughter, Zoe's desire and talent for teaching and experience with disabilities and at-risk youth--- what else ? but organizing a therapeutic riding center.

In the summer of 2003, we offered a summer camp program of riding. This was very successful, so we repeated the program in 2005, adding more groups. We began talking and planning to enlarge our scope and continue through the winter, steadily increasing our client base, making many improvements in the lesson space and building a small office in the barn.

In March of 2006, we formed the official "Dream On Curls Riding Center", became members of NARHA, both as a center and as individuals. Zoe began her certification process and since has been "leveling up" continually. We procured all the necessary insurance, wrote up our manual, developed programs and more programs for all individuals with emotional, physical, and developmental disabilities. This was an exciting time for the the farm and the horses !

Our name has much meaning in several ways-- The first Curly filly born to Top O' The Hill Farm was Dream Curl ~ now 23 years old and still feeling quite youthful. And of course-- our facility is a place where Dreams can come true for many -- riding atop a horse of curls !

That first winter, we had many brave participants who rode outdoors, despite cold and snow-

During that winter of 2006-2007, we realized quickly, that in order to expand and accommodate the needs of all our many riders-- we needed to take the BIG leap to add an indoor arena. We found an excellent company right here in Vermont - B.C.I Construction . The owner, Bud, worked with us on budget and needs and we were able to have the building nearly complete in time for our first open house in April, 2007- which was a day of celebration in all ways !

This was a great decision and has enabled us to serve many more riders with needs. Many of the consumers of the therapeutic riding have sensitivity to heat, cold, brightness of the sun, etc. Some need the enclosed area for security- reducing anxieties.. or increasing focus with less distractions.

We have continued to make large and small improvements to the physical space. This summer we trucked in material to make a nice smooth driveway going up to the indoor for better access.

We added saddle racks in the indoor - especially for our group lessons- there is a lot of equipment that needs to be organized so the riders can tack up their horse easily.

We have many more goals to reach - so visit our blog often for news and updates ~

In the meantime remember ~ At Dream On Curls Riding Center we focus on what our riders **CAN DO** -- NOT on what they can't !